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There are primarily four types of thyroid tests to assess the functionality of the thyroid gland. These tests are done directly by collecting blood samples for the same. Blood and serum concentration of thyroid hormone is calculated. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone reveals the state of the thyroid gland. If serum concentration of TSH is low, the thyroid gland is presumably overactive, that is hyperthyroidism. However, the condition is hypothyroid if the concentration of TSH is high in serum.
Different types of thyroid tests are now available to conclude the exact status of the thyroid gland.
Table of Contents
What Are The Type of Thyroid Tests?
There are different types of thyroid tests that can be done in order to differentiate between euthyroid and diseased conditions. No single diagnostic test is conclusive of the actual state of the gland. To diagnose the disease accurately, a combination of two or three thyroid tests is suggested. A common practice by endocrinologists is to follow a routine thyroid profile in order to keep a tap on the serum concentration of the hormones.
T3- T3 test is of more significance in patients with suspected hyperthyroidism. T4 values are less elevated in hyperthyroid patients compared to T3. In fact, many cases reveal close to normal values of T4 with significantly elevated T3 levels. Thereby, T3 Test helps in clearing the suspicion of hyperthyroidism that cannot be clarified by T4 concentration.
T3 test can prove to be hazardous in ascertaining hypothyroid cases. As the values are found to be normal in maximum cases. The T3 test is solely not recommended to establish or diagnose a hypothyroid state.
T3RU- To estimate the correct functioning of the thyroid gland, an accurate distinction between hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism and normal thyroid can be made by means of T3RU. T3RU readings help in judging the reason behind any alteration in levels of T4. Thereby point-on diagnosis and the root cause of hypothyroidism can be ascertained in cases of low t4 values.
T4- Among the different types of thyroid tests, T4 is another thyroid test to ascertain the activity of the thyroid gland. Elevated levels are suggestive of hyperthyroidism while lower levels would be suggestive of hyperthyroidism, albeit a combination of T3 and TSH is vital for clear understanding.
TSH- TSH is one of the most reliable types of thyroid tests to distinguish hyperthyroid cases from normal ones. The technique-sensitive nature of the test allows it to be the 1st line of test for screening hyperthyroidism patients.
How to prepare for the test?
Relatively thyroid tests do not require any prerequisites. You need no extra preparations that differ from your daily routine. Unless otherwise, you require other diagnostic tests to be done concomitantly, that require you to be fasting or without liquids or on a certain type of medication. Following your doctor’s instructions, which are very much case-specific, helps yield accurate results.
- No fasting is required
- It is better to arrange for blood sample collection in the morning, but not necessarily
- Be prepared for the regular methodology of blood sample collection, which is painless and hassle-free. If you have arranged for a home collection, be prepared likewise.
- The ongoing thyroid medicine can be taken prior to or after getting the thyroid test done
- It is better to get the tests done by at least three different laboratories if you are suspected of a diseased thyroid initially.
- It is recommended to get routine repeated tests as prescribed by the endocrinologist, every time from the same diagnostic, to have similarity in recordings and technique involved.
- Let your doctor be pre-informed about your medical history. Certain supplements and vitamins interfere with thyroid testing.
- Do not skip your medication, as it can result in faulty misleading results.
How to Understand the Test Results?
One needs to be experienced and trained in the field of endocrinology to understand the test results and prescribe suitable medicines. The dosage of medicine needs to be increased or decreased as per the prevailing condition. The exact functionality is to be assessed by means of various thyroid tests. The doctor may ask you to repeat the thyroid tests after prescribing a particular dosage of medicine for a period of 2 – 3 months. To evaluate the progress of the hyper or hypo condition of the thyroid gland, continued follow-up is necessary. After several such adjustments to the dosage, the doctor is able to successfully fix a stable dosage.
Apart from diagnostic blood tests, few thyroid conditions additionally may require advanced level tests and scans to validate the hemostatics. It requires years of expertise to understand the test results and thereby treat the condition. Under no circumstances, should one neglect or cater to self-medication. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can be life-threatening if left untreated. It not only does render the metabolic system unstable but also significantly affects your heart, skin, hair, and mental balance.
| THYROID STATUS | T3 READING | T4 READING | TSH READING |
| EUTHYROID | NORMAL | NORMAL | NORMAL |
| HYPOTHYROID | LOW | LOW | HIGH |
| HYPERTHYROID | HIGH | HIGH | LOW |
Nonetheless, the above parameters are clinically correlated to establish a diagnosis. A combination of one or two tests facilitates accurate analysis. The reading may differ in pregnant patients, chronically ill, and acute debilitating conditions.
FAQ
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How are thyroid tests done?
Thyroid tests are done by a routine collection of a blood sample from an individual and then deducing the result by means of radioimmunoassay (RIA).
2. How many types of thyroid tests are there?
There are primarily three types of thyroid tests, collectively known as thyroid profile – T3, T4, and TSH
Takeaway
Pathcare India works relentlessly with you to betray the cliche that thyroid tests are unpredictable and suspicious. Years of experience and expertise vouches for their unbeatable performance. With 100% accuracy, the center is known and trusted for the different types of thyroid tests. The clinic further has healthcare providers rule out your anxiety related to how thyroid tests are done and how many types of thyroid tests are there.
